1. Gail E. Tompkins California State University, Fresno
Literacy in the Middle Grades Teaching Reading and Writing to Fourth to Eighth Graders, 2e Second Edition
Gail E. Tompkins
California State University, Fresno
Prepared by
Helen Hoffner
Holy Family University
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2. Teaching with Textbooks
Chapter 11
Textbook instruction is aligned with state literacy standards.
Basal reading textbooks are usually used to teach reading in 4th through 6th grades.
Language arts textbooks are usually used to teach reading and writing in 6th through 8th grades.
Textbooks are not complete instructional programs.
Specialty textbooks can address students’ instructional needs and meet grade-level standards.

3. Basal Reading Programs & Language Arts Textbooks
Chapter 11
Basal Reading Programs & Language Arts Textbooks
Behavioristic Learning Theories
Teacher- Centered

4. Components of Basal Reading Programs
Chapter 11
Selections in Grade-Level Textbooks
Instruction in Word-Identification, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Writing, Grammar and Spelling
Workbook Assignments
Materials for Independent Reading
Assessment Tools

5. Basal Readers & the Reading Process
Chapter 11
Prereading
Teachers follow the guidebook to build background knowledge and introduce vocabulary.
Reading
Students read the selection independently.
Responding
Students answer questions and complete workbook assignments.
Exploring
Skills are taught and students complete workbook assignments.
Applying
Students read selections in basals and supplemental books and complete writing activities.

6. Strengths of Basal Reading Programs
Chapter 11
Strengths of Basal Reading Programs
Textbooks are aligned with grade-level literacy standards.
Strategies and skills are taught sequentially.
Detailed instructions are provided.
A variety of assessment tools are provided.
Online resources are available.

7. Limitations of Basal Reading Programs
Chapter 11
Limitations of Basal Reading Programs
Selections are too difficult for some students and too easy for others.
Many selections lack the authenticity of good literature.
Programs include too many workbook assignments.
Most instruction is presented to the whole class.

8. Components of Language Arts Textbook Programs
Chapter 11
Components of Language Arts Textbook Programs
Literature selections in grade-level textbooks
Instruction on literary analysis, grammar & writing
Online resources for students & teachers
Assessment tools

9. Language Arts Textbooks & the Reading Process
Chapter 11
Prereading
Teachers preview the selection, introduce vocabulary, and build background knowledge.
Reading
Students do close reading of the selection, usually with teacher guidance.
Responding
Students talk and write about a selection.
Exploring
Students complete graphic organizers and worksheets and participate in activities.
Applying
Students complete writing assignments and take tests.

10. Strengths of Language Arts Textbooks
Chapter 11
Instruction is aligned with grade-level standards.
Classic and contemporary literature selections are included.
Differentiation is possible.
The teacher’s guide provides detailed instructions.
Online resources are available.

11. Limitations of Language Arts Textbooks
Chapter 11
Selections are too difficult for some students and too easy for others.
Programs overemphasize grammar and writing skills.
Most instruction is presented to the whole class.
Programs emphasize broad coverage of topics rather than in-depth learning.